A close relative of the water buffalo, Sulawesi have a two species Anoa: the mountain Anoa (Bubalus quarlesi and lowland Anoa Bubalus depressicornis. The mountain Anoa is covered in a fine, dense coating of hair, which can be light brown to chocolate or black in colour. It has short conical horns and stands 75 cm at the shoulder. A solitary animal, it is unique in that of the five species of wild cattle in southeast Asia, this is the only one whose major habitat is undisturbed forest, where it feeds on a variety of fruit, leaves, grasses, moss and ferns. Th rugged, high altitude nature of the park suits the endangered mountain Anoa. Although it is considered to be relatively common here, it is reclusive and only observed occasionally feedeng in well-drained areas or lying ruminating along dry, relatively open, ridge tops. A recent survey discovered high densities of the species in the moutainous interior of the park, where footprints, sleeping sites and faeces were frequently seen. Often hunted by poachers, almost to the point of extinction elsewhere, Lore Lindu National Park is now one of the last refuges for this endemic species.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Anoa
A close relative of the water buffalo, Sulawesi have a two species Anoa: the mountain Anoa (Bubalus quarlesi and lowland Anoa Bubalus depressicornis. The mountain Anoa is covered in a fine, dense coating of hair, which can be light brown to chocolate or black in colour. It has short conical horns and stands 75 cm at the shoulder. A solitary animal, it is unique in that of the five species of wild cattle in southeast Asia, this is the only one whose major habitat is undisturbed forest, where it feeds on a variety of fruit, leaves, grasses, moss and ferns. Th rugged, high altitude nature of the park suits the endangered mountain Anoa. Although it is considered to be relatively common here, it is reclusive and only observed occasionally feedeng in well-drained areas or lying ruminating along dry, relatively open, ridge tops. A recent survey discovered high densities of the species in the moutainous interior of the park, where footprints, sleeping sites and faeces were frequently seen. Often hunted by poachers, almost to the point of extinction elsewhere, Lore Lindu National Park is now one of the last refuges for this endemic species.
